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Abstract:

A PDP (600) is attached to an electrically conductive board (31) with a
heat dissipation sheet (60) sandwiched therebetween. A first driving
circuit board (32) is fixed on the electrically conductive board (31) by
a plurality of electrically conductive supports (34). On one surface,
which faces the electrically conductive board (31), of the first driving
circuit board (32), one or plurality of electronic components are mounted
while a second driving circuit board (40) is fixed. A plurality of
support terminals (43b) of the second driving circuit board (40) are
connected to the first driving circuit board (32), and the first driving
circuit board (32) is attached to the electrically conductive board (31)
by the electrically conductive supports (34). Thus, one surface of the
second driving circuit board (40) is in contact with the electrically
conductive board (31). One or plurality of surface mount components (36)
are mounted on the other surface of the second driving circuit board (40)
that faces the first driving circuit board (32).

Claims:

1-15. (canceled)

16. A plasma display device comprising:a plasma display panel;a supporting
board that supports said plasma display panel;a first driving circuit
board having a first surface and a second surface;a coupling member that
couples said supporting board and said first driving circuit board with
each other and is positioned between one surface of said supporting board
and said first surface of said first driving circuit board;a second
driving circuit board that is arranged between said supporting board and
said first driving circuit board so as to be in contact with said
supporting board and; andone or plurality of driving circuits that are
mounted on said first and second driving circuit boards and supply drive
currents to said plasma display panel, whereinsaid second driving circuit
board is supported on said first driving circuit board by an electrically
conductive connecting member, andsaid drive currents are supplied from
said second driving circuit board to said first driving circuit board
through said electrically conductive connecting member.

17. The plasma display device according to claim 16, wherein said plasma
display panel, said supporting board, said first driving circuit board
and said second driving circuit board are arranged along a substantially
vertical direction,said connecting member includes a plurality of
connecting members, andsaid plurality of connecting members are arranged
so as to align in a vertical direction.

18. The plasma display device according to claim 16, wherein said second
driving circuit board is arranged at a part lower than a center of said
plasma display panel.

19. The plasma display device according to claim 16, further comprising an
airflow forming device that forms an airflow between said supporting
board and said first driving circuit board.

20. The plasma display device according to claim 16, further comprising a
heat dissipation member between said plasma display panel and said
supporting board.

21. The plasma display device according to claim 16, further comprising a
thermal conductive member between said supporting board and said second
driving circuit board.

22. The plasma display device according to claim 16, wherein said one or
plurality of driving circuits are provided in a region, which faces said
second driving circuit board, on said first surface of said first driving
circuit board.

Description:

[0002]Plasma display devices using plasma display panels as self-emission
image displays have the advantage that thinning and larger screens are
possible. Such a plasma display device displays images by utilizing light
emissions at the time of discharges of discharge cells that compose
pixels.

[0003]The above-mentioned plasma display device is mainly composed of a
plasma display panel, an aluminum plate holding the plasma display panel
and a circuit board attached to the aluminum plate (see Patent Document
1, for example). A plurality of electronic components are mounted on the
above-mentioned circuit board.

[0004]In the plasma display device described in Patent Document 1, one
surface of the circuit board has the plurality of electronic components,
and the other surface of the circuit board is joined to the aluminum
plate with a thermal conduction sheet sandwiched therebetween.

[0005]Here, a configuration of the plasma display panel is schematically
described.

[0006]FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the plasma
display panel of the plasma display device.

[0007]As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of rows of display electrodes 2
each composed of a pair of scan electrode and sustain electrode are
formed on a substrate 1 made of a transparent glass substrate or the like
on the front side of the plasma display panel. A dielectric layer 3 is
formed so as to cover the plurality of display electrodes 2, and a
protective film 4 is formed on the dielectric layer 3.

[0008]On a substrate 5, which is arranged so as to face the substrate 1 on
the front side, on the back side of the plasma display device, a
plurality of rows of address electrodes 7 with an overcoat layer 6
covered thereon are formed so as to intersect with the display electrodes
2.

[0009]A plurality of barrier ribs 8 are provided in parallel with the
address electrodes 7 on the surface of the overcoat layer 6 that is
provided between the address electrodes 7, and phosphor layers 9 are
provided on side surfaces of the barrier ribs 8 and on the overcoat layer
6.

[0010]The above-described substrate 1 and substrate 5 are arranged to face
each other such that each of the display electrodes 2 and each of the
address electrodes 7 are substantially perpendicular to each other and a
discharge space is formed therebetween while the periphery thereof is
sealed. One or two or more kinds of helium, neon, argon and xenon are
filled in the above-mentioned discharge space as discharge gases.

[0011]The foregoing discharge space is separated into a plurality of
sections by the barrier ribs 8, so that a plurality of discharge cells
are formed. The red, green and blue phosphor layers 9 are provided in
each of the discharge cells.

[0012]In the plasma display panel having the foregoing configuration,
write pulses are applied between the address electrodes 7 and the scan
electrodes, so that address discharges are induced between the address
electrodes 7 and the scan electrodes.

[0013]Periodical sustain pulses that alternately invert are applied
between the scan electrodes and the sustain electrodes after the
discharge cells are selected, so that sustain discharges are induced
between the scan electrodes and the sustain electrodes, thereby
displaying a predetermined pattern.

[0014][Patent Document 1] JP 11-284379 A

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015]In a conventional plasma display device, heat generated by a
plurality of electronic components mounted on a circuit board is
dissipated through an aluminum plate via the circuit board and a thermal
conduction sheet. However, since the thermal conductive property of the
circuit board is not high enough, the heat generated by the electronic
components on the circuit board is not sufficiently dissipated.

[0016]Specifically, it is necessary and inevitable to ensure sufficient
heat dispassion when the number of the electronic components mounted on
the circuit board is large or when the electronic components have the
high heat-generating properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0017]An object of the present invention is to provide the plasma display
device capable of ensuring sufficient heat dissipation.

[0018](1)

[0019]According to an aspect of the present invention, a plasma display
device includes a plasma display panel, a supporting board that supports
the plasma display panel, a first driving circuit board having a first
surface and a second surface, a coupling member that couples the
supporting board and the first driving circuit board with each other and
is positioned between one surface of the supporting board and the first
surface of the first driving circuit board, a second driving circuit
board that is arranged on the supporting board and positioned between the
supporting board and the first driving circuit board, and one or
plurality of driving circuits that are mounted on the first and second
driving circuit boards and supply drive currents to the plasma display
panel.

[0020]In the plasma display device, the plasma display panel is supported
by the supporting board. In addition, the supporting board and the first
driving circuit board are coupled with each other by the coupling member
that is positioned between the one surface of the supporting board and
the first surface of the first driving circuit board. The second driving
circuit board is arranged on the supporting board and positioned between
the supporting board and the first driving circuit board. The driving
circuits mounted on the first and second driving circuit boards supply
the drive currents to the plasma display panel.

[0021]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
driving circuits is mounted on the second driving circuit board arranged
on the supporting board, so that heat generated by the one or plurality
of driving circuits is efficiently transmitted to the supporting board.
Accordingly, heat dissipation from the one or plurality of driving
circuits is improved, and sufficient heat dissipation from the plasma
display device is ensured.

[0022](2)

[0023]The plasma display device may further include an electrically
conductive connecting member that connects the first and second driving
circuit boards to each other such that the first driving circuit board
and the second driving circuit board face each other.

[0024]In this case, the connecting member is used as a wiring and a
terminal of the one or plurality of driving circuits mounted on the
second driving circuit board while being used as a member for connecting
the first driving circuit board and the second driving circuit board to
each other.

[0025]As described above, a common member electrically and mechanically
connects the first driving circuit board and the second driving circuit
board, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the
configuration.

[0026](3)

[0027]The connecting member may have a plurality of openings. In this
case, the connecting member is easily processed. This allows the plasma
display device to be easily manufactured. Moreover, the heat generated by
the one or plurality of driving circuits mounted on the second driving
circuit board is radiated through the plurality of openings. Thus, heat
dissipation from the one or plurality of driving circuits is improved.

[0028](4)

[0029]The plasma display panel, the supporting board, the first driving
circuit board and the second driving circuit board may be arranged along
a substantially vertical direction, the connecting member may include a
plurality of connecting members, and the plurality of connecting members
may be arranged so as to align in a vertical direction.

[0030]As described above, the plasma display panel, the supporting board,
the first driving circuit board and the second driving circuit board are
arranged along the substantially vertical direction, so that the
atmosphere heated by the one or plurality of driving circuits mounted on
the second driving circuit board goes up in a space between the
supporting board and the first driving circuit board.

[0031]The plurality of connecting members are arranged so as to align in
the vertical direction, so that the high-temperature atmosphere can
smoothly go up without being disturbed by the plurality of connecting
members. This can ensure further sufficient heat dissipation from the
plasma display device.

[0032](5)

[0033]The second driving circuit board may be arranged at a part lower
than a center of the plasma display panel. In this case, the
high-temperature atmosphere heated by the one or plurality of driving
circuits mounted on the second driving circuit board goes up in the space
between the supporting board and the first driving circuit board from the
part lower than the center of the plasma display panel. This generates an
upward airflow from below in the plasma display device. As a result,
further sufficient heat dissipation from the plasma display device is
ensured.

[0034](6)

[0035]The plasma display device may further include an airflow forming
device that forms an airflow between the supporting board and the first
driving circuit board. In this case, the airflow forming device forms the
airflow between the supporting board and the first driving circuit board.
As a result, further sufficient heat dissipation from the plasma display
device is ensured.

[0036](7)

[0037]The plasma display device may further include a heat dissipation
member between the plasma display panel and the supporting board. In this
case, heat dissipation from the one or plurality of driving circuits is
more improved.

[0038](8)

[0039]The plasma display device may further include a thermal conductive
member between the supporting board and the second driving circuit board.
In this case, heat dissipation from the one or plurality of driving
circuits is further improved.

[0040](8-a)

[0041]The one or plurality of driving circuits may include a transistor.
In this case, also when a switching device having the high
heat-generating property such as the transistor is used, sufficient heat
dissipation therefrom is ensured.

[0042](8-b)

[0043]The plasma display device may further include at least one of a
diode and a transformer provided on the second driving circuit board. In
this case, also when a component having the high heat-generating property
such as the diode and the transformer is used, sufficient heat
dissipation therefrom is ensured.

[0044](8-c)

[0045]The plasma display device may further include an electronic
component provided on one or both of the first and second surfaces of the
first driving circuit board. In this case, since the one or plurality of
driving circuits are mounted on the second driving circuit board arranged
on the supporting board, a mounting region, provided on one or both of
the first and second surfaces of the first driving circuit board, for the
electronic component is enlarged.

[0046]Larger spacing between the electronic components provided on one or
both of the first and second surfaces of the first driving circuit board
improves heat dissipation from the electronic components. On the other
hand, smaller spacing between the electronic components provided on one
or both of the first and second surfaces of the first driving circuit
board achieves size reduction of the first driving circuit board.

[0047]Thus, the size of the first driving circuit board and spacing
between the electronic components are appropriately set, so that size
reduction of the first driving circuit board and improvement of heat
dissipation from the electronic components are achieved.

[0048](9)

[0049]The one or plurality of driving circuits may be provided in a
region, which faces the second driving circuit board, on the first
surface of the first driving circuit board. Accordingly, the mounting
region for the electronic components on the first driving circuit board
is enlarged.

[0050]Larger spacing between the electronic components on the first
driving circuit board further improves heat dissipation from the
electronic components. On the other hand, smaller spacing between the
electronic components on the first driving circuit board achieves further
size reduction of the first driving circuit board.

[0051]Thus, the size of the first driving circuit board and the spacing
between the electronic components are appropriately set, so that further
size reduction of the first driving circuit board and further improvement
of heat dissipation from the electronic components are achieved.

[0052](10)

[0053]According to another aspect of the present invention, a plasma
display device includes a plasma display panel including a scan electrode
and a sustain electrode, a supporting board that supports the plasma
display panel, a first scan driving circuit board having a first surface
and a second surface, a first sustain driving circuit board having a
third surface and a fourth surface, a first coupling member that couples
the supporting board and the first scan driving circuit board with each
other and is positioned between the supporting board and the first
surface of the first scan driving circuit board, a second coupling member
that couples the supporting board and the first sustain driving circuit
board with each other and is positioned between the supporting board and
the third surface of the first sustain driving circuit board, a second
scan driving circuit board that is provided on the supporting board and
is positioned between the supporting board and the first scan driving
circuit board, a second sustain driving circuit board that is provided on
the supporting board and is positioned between the supporting board and
the first sustain driving circuit board, one or plurality of first
driving circuits that are mounted on the first and second scan driving
circuit boards and supply drive currents to the scan electrode of the
plasma display panel, and one or plurality of second driving circuits
that are mounted on the first and second sustain driving circuit boards
and supply the drive currents to the sustain electrode of the plasma
display panel.

[0054]In the plasma display device, the plasma display panel is supported
by the supporting board. In addition, the supporting board and the first
scan driving circuit board are coupled with each other by the first
coupling member that is positioned between the one surface of the
supporting board and the first surface of the first scan driving circuit
board. Furthermore, the supporting board and the first sustain driving
circuit board are coupled with each other by the second coupling member
that is positioned between the one surface of the supporting board and
the third surface of the first sustain driving circuit board.

[0055]The second scan driving circuit board is arranged on the supporting
board and is positioned between the supporting board and the first scan
driving circuit board. The one or plurality of first driving circuits
mounted on the first and second scan driving circuit boards supply the
drive currents to the plasma display panel.

[0056]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
first driving circuits is mounted on the second scan driving circuit
board arranged on the supporting board, so that the heat generated by the
one or plurality of first driving circuits is efficiently transmitted to
the supporting board. This improves heat dissipation from the one or
plurality of first driving circuits and ensures sufficient heat
dissipation from the plasma display device.

[0057]The second sustain driving circuit board is arranged on the
supporting board and positioned between the supporting board and the
first sustain driving circuit board. The one or plurality of second
driving circuits mounted on the first and second sustain driving circuit
boards supply the drive currents to the plasma display panel.

[0058]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
second driving circuits is mounted on the second sustain driving circuit
board arranged on the supporting board, so that the heat generated by the
one or plurality of second driving circuits is efficiently transmitted to
the supporting board. This improves heat dissipation from the one or
plurality of second driving circuits and ensures sufficient heat
dissipation from the plasma display device.

[0059](11)

[0060]According to still another aspect of the present invention, a plasma
display device includes a plasma display panel, a supporting board that
supports the plasma display panel, a driving circuit board, to which one
or plurality of driving circuits supplying drive currents to the plasma
display panel are mounted, having first and second surfaces, and a
joining member that joins the supporting board and the driving circuit
board and is positioned between the supporting board and the first
surface of the driving circuit board, wherein at least part of the one or
plurality of driving circuits is provided on the first surface of the
driving circuit board.

[0061]In the plasma display device, the plasma display panel is supported
by the supporting board. In addition, the driving circuit on the driving
circuit board supplies the drive current to the plasma display panel.
Moreover, the supporting board and the driving circuit board are joined
to each other by the joining member that is positioned between the
supporting board and the first surface of the driving circuit board.

[0062]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
driving circuits is provided on the first surface of the driving circuit
board, so that the heat from the one or plurality of driving circuits is
sufficiently dissipated through the supporting board.

[0063](12)

[0064]The one or plurality of driving circuits that are provided on the
first surface of the driving circuit board may be in contact with or in
proximity to the supporting board. In this case, the heat generated by
the one or plurality of driving circuits is reliably dissipated through
the supporting board.

[0065](12-a) The plasma display device may further include a heat
dissipation member between the plasma display panel and the supporting
board. In this case, heat dissipation from the one or plurality of
driving circuits is further improved.

[0066](13)

[0067]The plasma display device may further include a thermal conductive
member between the supporting board and the first surface of the driving
circuit board. In this case, heat dissipation from the one or plurality
of driving circuits is further improved.

[0068](13-a)

[0069]The one or plurality of driving circuits may include a transistor.
In this case, also when a switching device having the high
heat-generating property such as the transistor is used, sufficient heat
dissipation therefrom is ensured.

[0070](13-b)

[0071]The plasma display device may further include at least one of a
diode and a transformer provided on the first surface of the driving
circuit board. In this case, also when a component having the high
heat-generating property such as the diode and the transformer is used,
sufficient heat dissipation therefrom is ensured.

[0072](13-c)

[0073]The plasma display device may further include an electronic
component provided on the second surface of the driving circuit board.
The one or plurality of driving circuits are provided on the first
surface of the driving circuit board, so that a region for arrangement of
the electronic components provided on the second surface of the driving
circuit board is enlarged.

[0074](13-d)

[0075]The electronic component may include at least one of an integrated
circuit, a coil, a resistor, a variable resistor, a transistor, a
capacitor, an inductor, a transformer and a photocoupler. The one or
plurality of driving circuits are provided on the first surface of the
driving circuit board, so that the region for arrangement of the
integrated circuit, the coil, the resistor, the variable resistor, the
transistor, the capacitor, the inductor, the transformer and the
photocoupler provided on the second surface of the driving circuit board
is enlarged.

[0076](14)

[0077]According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a plasma
display device includes a plasma display panel including a scan electrode
and a sustain electrode, a supporting board that supports the plasma
display panel, a first driving circuit board to which one or plurality of
first driving circuits supplying drive currents to the scan electrode of
the plasma display panel are mounted, having first and second surfaces, a
second driving circuit board to which one or plurality of second driving
circuits supplying the drive currents to the sustain electrode of the
plasma display panel are mounted, having third and fourth surfaces, and
joining members that join the supporting board and the first driving
circuit board and join the supporting board and the second driving
circuit board, respectively, and are positioned between the supporting
board and the first surface of the first driving circuit board and
between the supporting board and the third surface of the second driving
circuit board, respectively, wherein at least part of the first driving
circuits of the first driving circuit board is provided on the first
surface of the first driving circuit board, and at least part of the one
or plurality of second driving circuits of the second driving circuit
board is provided on the third surface of the second driving circuit
board.

[0078]In the plasma display device, the plasma display panel including the
scan electrode and the sustain electrode is supported by the supporting
board. In addition, the first and second driving circuits of the first
and second driving circuit boards supply the drive current to the plasma
display panel, respectively. Moreover, each of the first and second
driving circuit boards is joined to the supporting board by each of the
joining members that are positioned between the supporting board and the
first surfaces of the first and second driving circuit boards,
respectively.

[0079]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
first driving circuits is provided on the first surface of the first
driving circuit board, and at least part of the one or plurality of
second driving circuits is provided on the third surface of the second
driving circuit board, so that the heat from the respective one or
plurality of first and second driving circuits is sufficiently dissipated
through the supporting board.

[0080](15)

[0081]The one or plurality of first driving circuits provided on the first
surface of the first driving circuit board may be in contact with or in
proximity to the supporting board, and the one or plurality of second
driving circuits provided on the third surface of the second driving
circuit board may be in contact with or in proximity to the supporting
board.

[0082]In this case, the heat from the respective one or plurality of first
and second driving circuits is reliably dissipated through the supporting
board.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0083]In a plasma display device according to the present invention, a
plasma display panel is supported by a supporting board. A coupling
member positioned between one surface of the supporting board and a first
surface of a first driving circuit board couples the supporting board and
the first driving circuit board with each other. A second driving circuit
board is arranged on the supporting board and positioned between the
supporting board and the first driving circuit board. Driving circuits
mounted on the first and second driving circuit boards supply drive
currents to the plasma display panel.

[0084]In such a configuration, at least part of the one or plurality of
driving circuits is mounted on the second driving circuit board arranged
on the supporting board, so that heat generated by the one or plurality
of driving circuits is efficiently transmitted to the supporting board.
Thus, heat dissipation from the one or plurality of driving circuits is
improved, thereby ensuring sufficient heat dissipation from the plasma
display device.

[0085]In addition, according to the present invention, at least part of
the one or plurality of driving circuits is provided on the first surface
of the driving circuit board, so that heat generated by the one or
plurality of driving circuits is sufficiently dissipated through the
supporting board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a plasma
display device according to a first embodiment.

[0087]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an ADS system applied in the
plasma display device shown in FIG. 1.

[0088]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plasma
display device according to the first embodiment.

[0089]FIG. 4 is a side view showing the plasma display device of FIG. 3.

[0090]FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining details of a configuration of a
second driving circuit board of FIG. 4.

[0091]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a flow of an atmosphere within
the plasma display device of FIG. 4.

[0092]FIG. 7 is a side view showing a plasma display device according to a
second embodiment.

[0093]FIG. 8 is a side view showing a plasma display device according to a
third embodiment.

[0094]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a plasma
display device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0095]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the plasma display device of FIG. 9.

[0096]FIG. 11 is a side view showing a plasma display device according to
another embodiment.

[0097]FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a plasma
display panel of a plasma display device.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0098]The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail
referring to the drawings. The embodiments below describe a plasma
display device.

(1) First Embodiment

(1-a) Configuration of Plasma Display Device

[0099]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a plasma
display device according to a first embodiment.

[0101]A video signal VS is input to the A/D converter 200. In addition, a
horizontal synchronizing signal H and a vertical synchronizing signal V
are applied to the discharge control timing generating circuit 500, the
A/D converter 200, the scanning line converter 300 and the sub-field
converter 400.

[0103]The scanning line converter 300 converts the image data VD into
image data on lines whose number corresponds to the number of pixels in
the PDP 600, and applies the image data for each of the lines to the
sub-field converter 400. The image data for each of the lines is composed
of a plurality of pixel data corresponding to the plurality of pixels for
the line, respectively.

[0104]The sub-field converter 400 converts each of the pixel data
composing the image data for each of the lines into serial data SD
corresponding to a plurality of sub-fields, and applies the serial data
SD to the data driver 700.

[0105]The discharge control timing generating circuit 500 generates
discharge control timing signals SC, SU using the horizontal
synchronizing signal H and the vertical synchronizing signal V as a
basis. The discharge control timing generating circuit 500 applies the
discharge control timing signal SC to the scan driver 800, and applies
the discharge control timing signal SU to the sustain driver 900.

[0106]The PDP 600 includes a plurality of data electrodes 11c, a plurality
of scan electrodes 11a and a plurality of sustain electrodes 11b. The
plurality of data electrodes 11c are arranged in a vertical direction on
a screen, and the plurality of scan electrodes 11a and the plurality of
sustain electrodes 11b are arranged in a horizontal direction on the
screen. The plurality of sustain electrodes 11b are connected to one
another.

[0107]A discharge cell is formed at each intersection of the data
electrodes 11c, the scan electrodes 11a and the sustain electrodes 11b.
Each discharge cell forms the pixel on the screen.

[0108]The data driver 700 converts the serial data SD applied from the
sub-field converter 400 into parallel data, and selectively applies write
pulses to the plurality of data electrodes 11c based on the parallel
data.

[0109]The scan driver 800 drives each of the scan electrodes 11a based on
the discharge control timing signal SC applied from the discharge control
timing generating circuit 500. The sustain driver 900 drives the sustain
electrodes 11b based on the discharge control timing signal SU applied
from the discharge control timing generating circuit 500.

[0110]An ADS (Address Display-Period Separation) system as a gray scale
expression driving system can be employed in the plasma display device
shown in FIG. 1.

(1-b) Operation of the Plasma Display Device

[0111]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the ADS system applied in the
plasma display device shown in FIG. 1. Although FIG. 2 shows an example
of negative pulses that cause discharges during the fall time of drive
pulses, basic operations shown below apply similarly to the case of
positive pulses that cause the discharges during the rise time.

[0112]In the ADS system, one field is temporally divided into the
plurality of sub-fields. For example, the one field is divided into five
sub-fields SF1-SF5. Moreover, the sub-fields SF1-SF5 are separated into
initialization periods R1-R5, write periods AD1-AD5, sustain periods
SUS1-SUS5 and erase periods RS1-RS5. An initialization process for each
of the sub-fields is performed in each of the initialization periods
R1-R5, an address discharge is generated for selecting a discharge cell
or cells to be illuminated in each of the write periods AD1-AD5, and a
sustain discharge is generated for display in each of the sustain periods
SUS1-SUS5.

[0113]In each of the initialization periods R1-R5, a single initialization
pulse is applied to the sustain electrodes 11b, and a single
initialization pulse is applied to each of the scan electrodes 11a. This
generates a preliminary discharge.

[0114]In each of the write periods AD1-AD5, the scan electrodes 11a are
sequentially scanned, and a predetermined write process is performed only
to the discharge cell or cells that have received the write pulse from
the data electrodes 11c. This generates the address discharge.

[0115]In each of the sustain periods SUS1-SUS5, a sustain pulse or pulses
corresponding to a value with which each of the sub-fields SF1-SF5 is
weighted are output to the sustain electrodes 11b and the scan electrodes
11a. For example, in the sub-field SF1, one sustain pulse is applied to
the sustain electrodes 11b, one sustain pulse is applied to the scan
electrodes 11a, and in the write period causing two sustain discharges in
the selected discharge cell or cells. In the sub-field SF2, two sustain
pulses are applied to the sustain electrodes 11b, two sustain pulses are
applied to the scan electrodes 11a, and in the write period, causing four
sustain discharges in the selected discharge cell or cells.

[0116]As described above, in the sub-fields SF1-SF5, one, two, four,
eight, and sixteen sustain pulses, respectively, are applied to the
sustain electrodes 11b and the scan electrodes 11a, causing the discharge
cells to emit light at the brightness (luminance) corresponding to the
respective numbers of pulses. In other words, the sustain periods
SUS1-SUS5 are periods in which the discharge cells selected in the
respective write periods AD1-AD5 discharge at the number of times
corresponding to the respective weights of brightness.

(1-c) The Configuration of the Plasma Display Device

[0117]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plasma
display device according to the first embodiment.

[0118]As shown in FIG. 3, an electrically conductive board (panel support)
31 made of, for example, aluminum, steel or the like is bonded to the PDP
600 with a heat dissipation sheet (shown in a diagram described later)
sandwiched therebetween. Note that the PDP 600 includes the plurality of
scan electrodes 11a and the plurality of sustain electrodes 11b of FIG.
1.

[0119]First driving circuit boards 32, 33 are fixed on the electrically
conductive board 31 by a respective plurality of electrically conductive
supports (bosses) 34. Note that various kinds of surface mount components
and various kinds of electronic components, described later, to be
mounted on surfaces of the first driving circuit boards 32, 33 are not
shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, second driving circuit boards, described
later, to be attached to the first driving circuit boards 32, 33 are not
shown in FIG. 3.

[0120]The first driving circuit boards 32, 33 are connected to the scan
electrodes 11a and the sustain electrodes 11b of the PDP 600,
respectively, by a respective plurality of flexible connection boards 35
as wiring boards.

[0121]A power supply circuit 50 and a fan, which is not shown, are
provided on the electrically conductive board 31. The power supply
circuit 50 is connected to the first driving circuit board 32 by a wiring
member 51 while being connected to the first driving circuit board 33 by
a wiring member 52.

[0122]Next, the various kinds of surface mount components and the various
kinds of electronic components mounted on the surfaces of the first
driving circuit boards 32, 33 and the second driving circuit boards
attached to the first driving circuit boards 32, 33 are explained.

[0123]FIG. 4 is a side view showing the plasma display device of FIG. 3.
Note that in FIG. 4, the plasma display device that is seen from the side
of the first driving circuit board 32 is shown, and a part thereof is
omitted. While configurations of the first driving circuit board 32 and
the second driving circuit board attached thereto are explained as one
typical example in the following, configurations of the first driving
circuit board 33 and the second driving circuit board attached thereto
are similar to the configurations of the first driving circuit board 32
and the second driving circuit board attached thereto.

[0124]As shown in FIG. 4, the PDP 600 is attached to the electrically
conductive board 31 with the heat dissipation sheet 60 sandwiched
therebetween. The first driving circuit board 32 is fixed on the
electrically conductive board 31 by the plurality of electrically
conductive supports 34 as described above. Spacing between the first
driving circuit board 32 and the electrically conductive board 31 is
10-25 mm, for example.

[0125]On one surface, which faces the electrically conductive board 31, of
the first driving circuit board 32, one or plurality of electronic
components 37 are mounted while the second driving circuit board 40 is
fixed in the present embodiment.

[0126]The second driving circuit board 40 has a plurality of support
terminals 43b. The plurality of support terminals 43b have substantially
the same heights as the spacing between the electrically conductive board
31 and the first driving circuit board 32. The plurality of support
terminals 43b function as supporting members for the second driving
circuit board 40 while functioning as wirings and terminals of surface
mount components 36 described later. Details will be described later.

[0127]In assembly of the plasma display device, the plurality of support
terminals 43b of the second driving circuit board 40 are connected to the
first driving circuit board 32, and the first driving circuit board 32 is
attached to the electrically conductive board 31 by the electrically
conductive supports 34. Thus, one surface of the second driving circuit
board 40 is brought into contact with the electrically conductive board
31.

[0128]The one or plurality of surface mount components 36 are mounted on
the other surface, which faces the first driving circuit board 32, of the
second driving circuit board 40.

[0129]The surface mount components 36 have high heat-generating
properties, and include, for example, a bipolar transistor, a
field-effect transistor (FET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor
(IGBT), a diode, a small-sized transformer or the like. As for the
various kinds of surface mount components 36 described above, a collector
fin of the bipolar transistor or the insulated gate bipolar transistor
(IGBT), a drain fin of the field-effect transistor (FET) or a cathode fin
of the diode, for example, is bonded to the other surface of the second
driving circuit board 40 with a solder while a terminal thereof is
connected to a conductor layer (wiring pattern), described later, of the
second driving circuit board 40 with the solder. The heights of the
surface mount components 36 are about not more than 10 mm, for example.

[0130]The electronic components 37 mounted on the first driving circuit
board 32 have the heat-generating properties relatively lower than those
of the surface mount components 36. The electronic components 37 include,
for example, an integrated circuit, a coil, a resistor, a variable
resistor, a small-signal transistor, a capacitor, an inductor, a
transformer, a photocoupler or the like.

[0131]The electronic components 37 have heights lower than the support
terminals 43b of the second driving circuit board 40 (about not more than
10-25 mm, for example). It is also possible to mount the electronic
components 37 on the one surface of the first driving circuit board 32
that faces the second driving circuit board 40.

[0132]In this case, it is preferable that any or all of the bipolar
transistor, the field-effect transistor, the insulated gate bipolar
transistor and the small-sized transformer are provided on the one
surface of the first driving circuit board 32 that faces the second
driving circuit board 40.

[0133]A front cover FC is provided so as to cover the heat dissipation
sheet 60 and the PDP 600 provided on the one surface of the electrically
conductive board 31, and a back cover BC is provided so as to cover the
electrically conductive supports 34, the surface mount components 36, the
first driving circuit board 32 and the electronic components 37 provided
on the other surface of the electrically conductive board 31. Note that
the front cover FC and the back cover BC are indicated by the broken
lines in FIG. 4.

[0134]A lower end of the electrically conductive board 31 is fixed to an
upper end of a supporting base 39. Thus, the supporting base 39 causes
the plasma display device to stand along the vertical direction. That is,
the PDP 600, the heat dissipation sheet 60, the electrically conductive
board 31, the first driving circuit board 32 and the second driving
circuit board 40 are arranged along the vertical direction, respectively.

[0135]A fan F is provided at an upper part of the electrically conductive
board 31. The fan F sucks in an atmosphere from below and exhausts the
atmosphere upwardly. This allows heat generated in a space between the
electrically conductive board 31 and the first driving circuit board 32
to be released to the outside (the upper portion).

(1-d) Configuration of the Second Driving Circuit Board

[0136]Here, details of a configuration of the second driving circuit board
40 are described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the details of the
configuration of the second driving circuit board 40. An enlarged side
view of the second driving circuit board 40 of FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5
(a), and an enlarged top view thereof is shown in FIG. 5 (b).

[0137]As shown in FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b), the second driving circuit
board 40 includes a reinforcement plate 41, an insulating layer 42 and a
plurality of conductor layers 43a. The reinforcement plate 41 is composed
of a material having the high thermal conductive property such as
aluminum or steel, for example. This reinforcement plate 41 is positioned
on the side of the electrically conductive board 31, and is in contact
with the electrically conductive board 31.

[0138]An insulating layer 42 composed of insulating resin such as an
inorganic filler is provided on the reinforcement plate 41. In addition,
the plurality of conductor layers 43a composed of an electrically
conductive material such as copper or silver is formed on the insulating
layer 42. The plurality of conductor layers 43a have predetermined
patterns. The above-described surface mount components 36 are mounted on
the conductor layers 43a. Note that the conductor layers 43a have a
thickness of about 0.8 mm, for example.

[0139]As shown in FIG. 5 (b), each of the conductor layers 43a is folded
substantially vertically at both ends of the insulating layer 42 in a
horizontal direction. Thus, the plurality of support terminals 43b are
formed so as to substantially vertically extend with respect to the first
driving circuit board 32 from the both ends of the insulating layer 42 in
the horizontal direction. The plurality of support terminals 43b align in
the vertical direction.

[0140]A plurality of openings 44b that align in the vertical direction are
formed in parts of the support terminals 43b. These openings 44b allow
the conductor layers 43a to be easily folded. A plurality of connectors
44a that project toward the first driving circuit board 32 are formed on
the tips of the support terminals 43b. A plurality of terminal connection
holes 32h are provided in positions, corresponding to the plurality of
connectors 44a, of the first driving circuit board 32.

[0141]In the assembly of the plasma display device, the plurality of
connectors 44a of the second driving circuit board 40 are inserted into
the plurality of terminal connection holes 32h provided in the first
driving circuit board 32. Accordingly, the second driving circuit board
40 can be attached to the first driving circuit board 32 (see the arrow X
in FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b)).

[0142]Then, the first driving circuit board 32 is attached to the
electrically conductive board 31 by the electrically conductive supports
34 of FIG. 4 (see the arrow Y in FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b)).

(1-e) Effects

[0143]In the plasma display device according to the present embodiment,
the second driving circuit board 40 is provided on the one surface of the
first driving circuit board 32 that faces the electrically conductive
board 31. The one surface of the second driving circuit board 40 is in
contact with the electrically conductive board 31, and the one or
plurality of surface mount components 36 having the high heat-generating
properties are mounted on the other surface of the second driving circuit
board 40.

[0144]As described above, the surface mount components 36 are in contact
with the electrically conductive board 31 with the second driving circuit
board 40 sandwiched therebetween, so that the heat generated by the
surface mount components 36 is efficiently transmitted to the
electrically conductive board 31, and dissipated through the electrically
conductive board 31. Thus, heat dissipation from the surface mount
components 36 having the high heat-generating properties can be improved,
and sufficient heat dissipation from the plasma display device can be
ensured.

[0145]The electronic components 37 can be mounted on the one surface,
which faces the second driving circuit board 40, of the first driving
circuit board 32. This allows a mounting region for the electronic
components 37 to be enlarged in the first driving circuit board 32.

[0146]Larger spacing between the electronic components 37 on the first
driving circuit board 32 can improve heat dissipation from the electronic
components 37. On the other hand, smaller spacing between the electronic
components 37 on the first driving circuit board 32 can reduce the size
of the first driving circuit board 32.

[0147]Thus, the size of the first driving circuit board 32 and the spacing
between the electronic components 37 are appropriately set, so that size
reduction of the first driving circuit board 32 and improvement of heat
dissipation from the electronic components 37 can be achieved.

[0148]As described above, the spacing between the first driving circuit
board 32 and the electrically conductive board 31 is set to be about
10-25 mm, for example, in the present embodiment.

[0149]When the spacing between the first driving circuit board 32 and the
electrically conductive board 31 is set to be about 10 mm, sufficient
reduction in thickness of the plasma display device can be achieved.

[0150]When the spacing between the first driving circuit board 32 and the
electrically conductive board 31 is set to be about 25 mm, the electronic
components 37 having a height of about not more than 25 mm can be mounted
on the first driving circuit board 32 so as to face the second driving
circuit board 40. This results in an enlarged mounting region for the
electronic components 37 in the first driving circuit board 32.

[0151]In addition, the PDP 600 is provided so as to be in contact with the
electrically conductive board 31 with the heat dissipation sheet 60
sandwiched therebetween, thereby dissipating not only the heat generated
by the surface mount components 36 but also the heat generated by the PDP
600 through the electrically conductive board 31.

[0152]In the present embodiment, the second driving circuit board 40 is
preferably provided at a part lower than the center of the plasma display
device in the vertical direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a
flow of the atmosphere within the plasma display device of FIG. 4. Note
that the electronic components 37 are omitted in FIG. 6.

[0153]The second driving circuit board 40 is provided at the part lower
than the center (see the one-dot and dash line C) of the plasma display
device in the vertical direction. In this case, the high-temperature
atmosphere generated by the surface mount components 36 goes up while the
fan F sucks in the atmosphere from below, thereby generating an upward
airflow in the space between the electrically conductive board 31 and the
first driving circuit board 32 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6.

[0154]Thus, the high-temperature atmosphere generated by not only the
surface mount components 36 but also the electronic components 37 (not
shown in FIG. 6) goes up in the space between the electrically conductive
board 31 and the first driving circuit board 32.

[0155]Then, the atmosphere goes up in the space between the electrically
conductive board 31 and the first driving circuit board 32 to be
exhausted to the outside of the plasma display device through the fan F.

[0156]The plurality of support terminals 43b of the second driving circuit
board 40 are formed so as to align along the vertical direction. This
prevents the plurality of support terminals 43b from disturbing the
upward airflow generated in the space between the electrically conductive
board 31 and the first driving circuit board 32. As a result, the
high-temperature atmosphere smoothly flows without being affected by the
support terminals 43b, so that sufficient heat dissipation from the
surface mount components 36 and the electronic components 37 in the
plasma display device is ensured.

(2) Second Embodiment

[0157]A plasma display device according to a second embodiment is
different from the plasma display device according to the first
embodiment in the following points.

[0158]FIG. 7 is a side view showing the plasma display device according to
the second embodiment.

[0159]As shown in FIG. 7, a thermal conductive member 31a including one or
both of a high thermal conductive sheet made of silicone rubber, a carbon
sheet or the like and a high thermal conductive adhesive liquid made of a
silicone liquid, putty, a carbon liquid or the like, for example, may be
provided between the electrically conductive board 31 and the second
driving circuit board 40. Thus, heat dissipation from the surface mount
components 36 can be further improved.

(3) Third Embodiment

[0160]A plasma display device according to a third embodiment is different
from the plasma display device according to the first embodiment in the
following points.

[0161]FIG. 8 is a side view showing the plasma display device according to
the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the one or plurality of
electronic components 37 are mounted on the other surface, on the side
opposite to the electrically conductive board 31, of the first driving
circuit board 32 in the plasma display device according to the present
embodiment.

[0162]In this case, the heights of the electronic components 37 are not
limited by the spacing between the electrically conductive board 31 and
the first driving circuit board 32, thereby easing the limitation in size
of the electronic components 37 used in the plasma display device. This
broadens a range of selections for the electronic components 37. Larger
mounting spacing between the electronic components 37 on the first
driving circuit board 32 can improve heat dissipation from the electronic
components 37. On the other hand, smaller mounting spacing between the
electronic components 37 on the first driving circuit board 32 can
achieve size reduction of the first driving circuit board 32.

[0163]Thus, the size of the first driving circuit board 32 and the spacing
between the electronic components 37 are appropriately set, so that size
reduction of the first driving circuit board 32 and improvement of heat
dissipation from the electronic components 37 can be achieved.

[0164]In the plasma display device according to the third embodiment, the
electronic components 37 may be additionally mounted on the one surface,
which faces the electrically conductive board 31, of the first driving
circuit board 32 as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 8.

[0165]In this case, since the one or plurality of electronic components 37
can be mounted on the both surfaces of the first driving circuit board
32, the mounting region for the electronic components 37 in the first
driving circuit board 32 is further enlarged.

[0166]Larger mounting spacing between the electronic components 37 on the
first driving circuit board 32 can further improve heat dissipation from
the electronic components 37. On the other hand, smaller mounting spacing
between the electronic components 37 on the first driving circuit board
32 can achieve further size reduction of the first driving circuit board
32.

[0167]Thus, the size of the first driving circuit board 32 and the spacing
between the electronic components 37 are appropriately set, so that
further size reduction of the first driving circuit board 32 and further
improvement of heat dissipation from the electronic components 37 can be
achieved.

(4) Modifications of the Plasma Display Device According to the
First-Third Embodiments

[0168]In the first-third embodiments, it is not necessarily required that
only the surface mount components 36 are mounted on the second driving
circuit board 40. The electronic components 37 having the heights lower
than the support terminals 43b can also be mounted on the second driving
circuit board 40. In this case, the mounting region for the electronic
components 37 in the first driving circuit board 32 is enlarged.

[0169]Larger mounting spacing between the electronic components 37 on the
first driving circuit board 32 can improve heat dissipation from the
electronic components 37. On the other hand, smaller mounting spacing
between the electronic components 37 on the first driving circuit board
32 can achieve size reduction of the first driving circuit board 32.

[0170]In the first-third embodiments, the plasma display device may not
include the fan F of FIG. 4. In this case, an opening is formed at, for
example, an upper part of the back cover that is not shown. Accordingly,
the high-temperature atmosphere generated within the plasma display
device goes up with the upward airflow generated in the space between the
electrically conductive board 31 and the first driving circuit board 32,
and is exhausted to the outside through the opening of the back cover. As
a result, cost reduction of the plasma display device can be achieved.

[0171]The electrically conductive board 31 may be used as current paths of
driving circuits provided in the scan driver 800 and the sustain driver
900, respectively, and the electrically conductive supports 34 may be
used as the current paths of the driving circuits provided in the scan
driver 800 and the sustain driver 900, respectively.

(5) Fourth Embodiment

[0172]A plasma display device according to a fourth embodiment is
different from the plasma display device according to the first
embodiment in the following points.

(5-a) Configuration of the Plasma Display Device

[0173]FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the plasma
display device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0174]As show in FIG. 9, the electrically conductive board (panel support)
31 made of, for example, aluminum, steel or the like is bonded to the PDP
600 with the heat dissipation sheet (shown in a diagram described later)
sandwiched therebetween. Note that the PDP 600 includes the plurality of
scan electrodes 11a and the plurality of sustain electrodes 11b of FIG.
1.

[0175]Driving circuit boards 132, 133 are fixed on the electrically
conductive board 31 by the plurality of electrically conductive supports
(bosses) 34, respectively. Note that the various kinds of surface mount
components and the various kinds of electronic components, described
later, to be mounted on surfaces of the driving circuit boards 132, 133
are not shown in FIG. 9. The driving circuit boards 132, 133 are
connected to the scan electrodes 11a and the sustain electrodes 11b of
the PDP 600, respectively, by the respective plurality of flexible
connection boards 35 as the wiring boards.

[0176]The power supply circuit 50 and the fan, which is not shown, are
provided on the electrically conductive board 31. The power supply
circuit 50 is connected to the driving circuit board 132 by the wiring
member 51 while being connected to the driving circuit board 133 by the
wiring member 52.

[0177]Next, the various kinds of surface mount components and the various
kinds of electronic components to be mounted on the surfaces of the
driving circuit boards 132, 133 are explained.

[0178]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the plasma display device of FIG. 9.
Note that in FIG. 10, the plasma display device that is seen from the
side of the driving circuit board 132 is shown, and a part thereof is
omitted. While a configuration of the driving circuit board 132 is
described as one typical example in the following, a configuration of the
driving circuit board 133 is similar to the configuration of the driving
circuit board 132.

[0179]As shown in FIG. 10, the PDP 600 is attached to the electrically
conductive board 31 with the heat dissipation sheet 60 sandwiched
therebetween. The driving circuit board 132 is fixed on the electrically
conductive board 31 by the plurality of electrically conductive supports
34 as described above. The spacing between the driving circuit board 132
and the electrically conductive board 31 is not more than 10 mm, for
example.

[0180]In the present embodiment, the one or plurality of surface mount
components 36 are mounted on the surface, on the side of the electrically
conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 132. In this case, the
one or plurality of surface mount components 36 having the heights of not
more than 10 mm are mounted on the above-described surface of the driving
circuit board 132 so as to be in contact with or in proximity to the
electrically conductive board 31.

[0181]The above-described surface mount components 36 have the high
heat-generating properties, and include, for example, a bipolar
transistor, a field-effect transistor, an insulated gate bipolar
transistor, a diode, a small-sized transformer or the like.

[0182]As for the bipolar transistor and the insulated gate bipolar
transistor, a collector fin is bonded to the surface of the driving
circuit board 132 with the solder while a terminal thereof is connected
to the wiring pattern of the driving circuit board 132 with the solder.

[0183]As for the field-effect transistor, a drain fin is bonded to the
surface of the driving circuit board 132 with the solder while a terminal
is connected to the wiring pattern of the driving circuit board 132 with
the solder.

[0184]As for the diode, a cathode fin is bonded to the surface of the
driving circuit board 132 with the solder while a terminal is connected
to the wiring pattern of the driving circuit board 132 with the solder.

[0185]On the other hand, the one or plurality of electronic components 37
are provided on the surface, on the opposite side to the electrically
conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 132. The
above-described electronic components 37 have the relatively low
heat-generating properties, and the heights thereof are relatively high
(not less than 10 mm, for example). The electronic components 37 include,
for example, a control integrated circuit (control IC), a coil, a
resistor, a variable resistor, a small-signal transistor, a capacitor, an
inductor, a transformer, a photocoupler or the like.

[0186]In the present embodiment, the one or plurality of surface mount
components 36 are mounted at the center portion of the driving circuit
board 132 so as to be reliably in contact with or more in proximity to
the electrically conductive board 31, and in the vicinity of side
portions thereof, the driving circuit board 132 and the electrically
conductive board 31 are fixed to each other by a plurality of screws 38.

[0187]The front cover, not shown, is provided so as to cover the heat
dissipation sheet 60 and the PDP 600 provided on the one surface of the
electrically conductive board 31, and the back cover, not shown, is
provided so as to cover the electrically conductive supports 34, the
surface mount components 36, the screws 38, the driving circuit board 132
and the electronic components 37 provided on the other surface of the
electrically conductive board 31.

(5-b) Effects

[0188]In the present embodiment, the one or plurality of surface mount
components 36 having the high heat-generating properties are mounted on
the surface, on the side of the electrically conductive board 31, of the
driving circuit board 132 and the surface mount components 36 are in
contact with or in proximity to the electrically conductive board 31,
resulting in sufficient heat dissipation from the surface mount
components 36 by the electrically conductive board 31.

[0189]In addition, equal heights of the one or plurality of surface mount
components 36 can cause better contact between the surface mount
components 36 and the electrically conductive board 31, allowing heat
dissipation to be further improved.

[0190]Moreover, the one or plurality of surface mount components 36 are
mounted at the center of the driving circuit board 132 so as to be
reliably in contact with or in proximity to the electrically conductive
board 31, and the driving circuit board 132 and the electrically
conductive board 31 are fixed to each other by the plurality of screws 38
in the vicinity of the side portions thereof, so that better contact
between the surface mount components 36 and the electrically conductive
board 31 can be obtained. This allows heat dissipation to be further
improved.

[0191]Furthermore, the PDP 600 is provided so as to be in contact with the
electrically conductive board 31 with the heat dissipation sheet 60
sandwiched therebetween, so that the heat from not only the surface mount
components 36 but also the PDP 600 can be dissipated through the
electrically conductive board 31.

[0192]In addition, the one or plurality of surface mount components 36 are
mounted on the surface, on the side of the electrically conductive board
31, of the driving circuit board 132, so that a region for arrangement of
the electronic components 37 that are provided on the surface, on the
opposite side to the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving
circuit board 132 is enlarged.

[0193]Furthermore, since a radiator that radiates heat to the outside is
not required in the plasma display device of the present embodiment, cost
reduction can be achieved.

(6) Another Embodiment

[0194]The plasma display device according to another embodiment is
different from the plasma display device according to the fourth
embodiment in the following points.

[0195]FIG. 11 shows a side view of the plasma display device according to
another embodiment.

[0196]As shown in FIG. 11, the thermal conductive member 31a including one
or both of a high thermal conductive sheet made of silicone rubber, a
carbon sheet or the like and a high thermal conductive adhesive liquid
made of a silicone liquid, putty or the like, for example, may be
provided between the electrically conductive board 31 and the surface
mount components 36. This can further improve heat dissipation from the
surface mount components 36.

[0197]While the electronic components 37 are provided on the surface, on
the opposite side to the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving
circuit board 132 in the above-described fourth embodiment, the present
invention is not limited to this. Part or all of the electronic
components 37 may be provided on the surface, on the side of the
electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 132 if it
is possible to arrange them in a space between the electrically
conductive board 31 and the driving circuit board 132.

[0198]The electrically conductive board 31 may be used as current paths of
the driving circuits provided in the scan driver 800 and the sustain
driver 900, respectively, and the electrically conductive supports 34 may
be used as current paths of the driving circuits provided in the scan
driver 800 and the sustain driver 900, respectively.

[0199]Although all of the surface mount components 36 are provided on the
surface, on the side of the electrically conductive board 31, of the
driving circuit board 132 in the above-described fourth embodiment, the
present invention is not limited to this. Part of the surface mount
components 36 may be provided on the surface, on the opposite side to the
electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 132 if
sufficient heat dissipation can be ensured. In this case, any of a
bipolar transistor, a field-effect transistor, an insulated gate bipolar
transistor or a small-sized transformer is preferably provided on the
surface, on the side of the electrically conductive board 31, of the
driving circuit board 132.

(7) Correspondences Between Elements in the Claims and Parts in
Embodiments

[0200]In the following paragraphs, non-limiting examples of
correspondences between various elements recited in the claims below and
those described above with respect to various preferred embodiments of
the present invention are explained.

(7-a)

[0201]The plasma display device according to the first-third embodiments
corresponds to a plasma display device of claims 1-10.

[0202]In the first-third embodiments, the PDP 600 corresponds to a plasma
display panel, the electrically conductive board 31 corresponds to a
supporting board, and the electrically conductive support 34 corresponds
to a coupling member.

[0203]The support terminal 43b corresponds to a connecting member, the fan
F corresponds to an airflow forming device, the heat dissipation sheet 60
corresponds to a heat dissipation member, the surface, on the side of the
electrically conductive board 31, of the first driving circuit board 32
corresponds to a first surface, and the surface, on the opposite side to
the electrically conductive board 31, of the first driving circuit board
32 corresponds to a second surface.

[0204]The first driving circuit board 32 corresponds to a first scan
driving circuit board, the first driving circuit board 33 corresponds to
a first sustain driving circuit board, the second driving circuit board
40 corresponds to a second scan driving circuit board and a second
sustain driving circuit board, the driving circuit including the surface
mount component 36 and the electronic component 37 corresponds to a
driving circuit, a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit.

[0205]The surface, on the side of the electrically conductive board 31, of
the first driving circuit board 33 corresponds to a third surface, and
the surface, on the opposite side to the electrically conductive board
31, of the first driving circuit board 33 corresponds to a fourth
surface.

(7-b)

[0206]The plasma display device according to the fourth embodiment and
another embodiment corresponds to a plasma display device of claims
11-15.

[0207]In the fourth embodiment and another embodiment, the PDP 600
corresponds to a plasma display panel, the driving circuit boards 132,
133 correspond to first and second driving circuit boards, respectively,
the electrically conductive board 31 corresponds to a supporting board,
the surface mount component 36 corresponds to a driving circuit and first
and second driving circuits, the electrically conductive support 34
corresponds to a joining member and the heat dissipation sheet 60
corresponds to a heat dissipation member.

[0208]In the fourth embodiment and another embodiment, the surface, on the
side of the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit
board 132 corresponds to a first surface, the surface, on the opposite
side to the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit
board 132 corresponds to a second surface, the surface, on the side of
the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 133
corresponds to a third surface, and the surface, on the opposite side to
the electrically conductive board 31, of the driving circuit board 133
corresponds to a fourth surface.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0209]The present invention is applicable to display of various videos.